Monitoring apparatus, monitoring system, monitoring method, and computer-readable storage medium

ABSTRACT

A monitoring apparatus  10  includes: a monitoring line setting unit  11  that sets a monitoring line in an image acquired from the image capturing unit; and an overlapping detection unit  12  that detects overlapping between an object in the image and the monitoring line. If overlapping is detected by the overlapping detection unit  12 , the monitoring line setting unit  11  sets a new monitoring line according to the object.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/560,196 filed Sep. 21, 2017, which is a National Stage ofInternational Application No. PCT/JP2016/050742 filed Jan. 12, 2016,claiming priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-059782filed Mar. 23, 2015, the contents of all of which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a monitoring apparatus, a monitoringsystem, and a monitoring method for performing monitoring using amonitoring camera, and a computer-readable storage medium storing aprogram for realizing these.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, due to improvements in camera technology, use ofmonitoring systems in which monitoring cameras are used has increased.With these monitoring systems, an intrusion detection area is set in animage acquired from the monitoring camera, and a warning is output to amanager if an intruder intruding in the intrusion detection area isdetected (e.g., see Patent Document 1).

Also, although the monitoring system normally detects an intruder byextracting changes in an image, the larger the region to be extractedis, the greater the system load is, and the more time-consumingdetection processing is. For this reason, a technique has been proposedin which a monitoring line called a “trip wire” is set in the image anda person who crosses the monitoring line is detected as an intruder(e.g., see Patent Documents 2 and 3).

Specifically, the monitoring system disclosed in Patent Document 2detects an intruder by specifying a change region in which a featureamount changes in the image acquired from the monitoring camera anddetecting interference between the specified change region and themonitoring line. Also, the monitoring system disclosed in PatentDocument 3 detects an intruder by extracting pixels existing at theposition of the monitoring line from an image acquired from themonitoring camera, arranging the pixels in a line to create a pixel dataline, and then analyzing change in a time series in the pixel values ofthe pixel data line.

CITATION LIST Patent Document

Patent Document 1: JP 2012-215983A

Patent Document 2: JP 2006-252248A

Patent Document 2: JP 2011-151743A

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention

Incidentally, with the monitoring systems disclosed in Patent Documents2 and 3, the monitoring line is set to be a street, pathway, or the likein the periphery of a facility being monitored. Also, since the imagefrom the monitoring camera is a two-dimensional image, there are caseswhere the monitoring line and a vehicle overlap on the image due to thevehicle being parked or the like between the location being monitoredand the monitoring camera. In this case, an intruder can intrude in thelocation being monitored without crossing the monitoring line, andtherefore it is very difficult to detect an intruder with the monitoringsystems disclosed in Patent Documents 2 and 3.

One example of an object of the present invention is to provide amonitoring apparatus, a monitoring system, a monitoring method, and acomputer-readable storage medium according to which the above-describedproblems are eliminated and an intruder can be detected even if apre-set monitoring line overlaps with an object on an image from amonitoring camera.

Means for Solving the Problems

In order to achieve the above-described object, a first monitoringapparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes:

-   -   a monitoring line setting unit configured to set a monitoring        line in an image acquired from an image capturing unit; and    -   an overlapping detection unit configured to detect overlapping        between an object in the image and the monitoring line, wherein        if overlapping is detected by the overlapping detection unit,        the monitoring line setting unit sets a new monitoring line        according to the object.

In order to achieve the above-described object, a second monitoringapparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes:

-   -   a monitoring line setting unit configured to set a monitoring        line in an image acquired from an image capturing unit; and    -   an overlapping detection unit configured to detect overlapping        between an object in the image and the monitoring line,    -   wherein if overlapping is detected by the overlapping detection        unit, the monitoring line setting unit moves the monitoring line        such that it does not overlap with the object.

In order to achieve the above-described object, a third monitoringapparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes:

-   -   a monitoring line setting unit configured to set a monitoring        line in an image acquired from an image capturing unit; and    -   an overlapping detection unit configured to detect overlapping        between an object in the image and the monitoring line,    -   wherein if overlapping is detected by the overlapping detection        unit, the monitoring line setting unit sets a new monitoring        line at a position that does not overlap with the object in a        pre-designated region.

In order to achieve the above-described object, a first monitoringsystem according to an aspect of the present invention includes amonitoring camera and a monitoring apparatus,

-   -   wherein the monitoring apparatus includes:    -   a monitoring line setting unit configured to set a monitoring        line in an image acquired from the monitoring camera; and    -   an overlapping detection unit configured to detect overlapping        between an object in the image and the monitoring line, and    -   if overlapping is detected by the overlapping detection unit,        the monitoring line setting unit sets a new monitoring line        according to the object.

In order to achieve the above-described object, a second monitoringsystem according to an aspect of the present invention includes amonitoring camera and a monitoring apparatus,

-   -   wherein the monitoring apparatus includes:    -   a monitoring line setting unit configured to set a monitoring        line in an image acquired from the monitoring camera; and    -   an overlapping detection unit configured to detect overlapping        between an object in the image and the monitoring line, and    -   if overlapping is detected by the overlapping detection unit,        the monitoring line setting unit moves the monitoring line such        that it does not overlap with the object.

In order to achieve the above-described object, a third monitoringsystem according to an aspect of the present invention includes amonitoring camera and a monitoring apparatus,

-   -   wherein the monitoring apparatus includes:    -   a monitoring line setting unit configured to set a monitoring        line in an image acquired from the monitoring camera; and    -   an overlapping detection unit configured to detect overlapping        between an object in the    -   image and the monitoring line, and if overlapping is detected by        the overlapping detection unit, the monitoring line setting unit        sets a new monitoring line at a position that does not overlap        with the object in a pre-designated region.

In order to achieve the above-described object, a first monitoringmethod according to an aspect of the present invention includes:

-   -   (a) a step of setting a monitoring line in an image acquired        from an image capturing unit;    -   (b) a step of detecting overlapping between an object in the        image and the monitoring line; and    -   (c) a step of setting a new monitoring line according to the        object if overlapping is detected in the (b) step.

In order to achieve the above-described object, a second monitoringmethod according to an aspect of the present invention includes:

-   -   (a) a step of setting a monitoring line in an image acquired        from an image capturing unit;    -   (b) a step of detecting overlapping between an object in the        image and the monitoring line; and    -   (c) a step of moving the monitoring line such that it does not        overlap with the object if overlapping is detected in the (b)        step.

In order to achieve the above-described object, a third monitoringmethod according to an aspect of the present invention includes:

-   -   (a) a step of setting a monitoring line in an image acquired        from an image capturing unit;    -   (b) a step of detecting overlapping between an object in the        image and the monitoring line; and    -   (c) a step of setting a new monitoring line at a position such        that it does not overlap with the object in a pre-designated        region if overlapping is detected in the (b) step.

Furthermore, in order to achieve the above-described object, a firstcomputer-readable storage medium according to an aspect of the presentinvention stores a program that includes commands for causing a computerto execute:

-   -   (a) a step of setting a monitoring line in an image acquired        from an image capturing unit;    -   (b) a step of detecting overlapping between an object in the        image and the monitoring line; and    -   (c) a step of setting a new monitoring line according to the        object if overlapping is detected in the (b) step.

Furthermore, in order to achieve the above-described object, a secondcomputer-readable storage medium according to an aspect of the presentinvention stores a program that includes commands for causing a computerto execute:

-   -   (a) a step of setting a monitoring line in an image acquired        from an image capturing unit;    -   (b) a step of detecting overlapping between an object in the        image and the monitoring line; and    -   (c) a step of moving the monitoring line such that it does not        overlap with the object if overlapping is detected in the (b)        step.

Furthermore, in order to achieve the above-described object, a thirdcomputer-readable storage medium according to an aspect of the presentinvention stores a program that includes commands for causing a computerto execute:

-   -   (a) a step of setting a monitoring line in an image acquired        from an image capturing unit;    -   (b) a step of detecting overlapping between an object in the        image and the monitoring line; and    -   (c) a step of setting a new monitoring line at a position such        that it does not overlap with the object in a pre-designated        region if overlapping is detected in the (b) step.

Effects of the Invention

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possibleto detect an intruder even if a pre-set monitoring line overlaps with anobject in an image from a monitoring camera.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of aconfiguration of a monitoring apparatus according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram specifically showing an example of aconfiguration of a monitoring system and a monitoring apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 3A to 3C are diagrams each illustrating an example of a series ofprocesses for when a monitoring apparatus according to an embodiment ofthe present invention sets a new monitoring line.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of a new monitoring line setby the monitoring apparatus according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing an example of operations performed bythe monitoring apparatus according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a new monitoring line set inModified Example 1 of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a new monitoring line set inModified Example 2 of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of a computerthat realizes a monitoring apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT Embodiment

Hereinafter, a monitoring apparatus, a monitoring system, a monitoringmethod, and a program according to an embodiment of the presentinvention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8.

Configuration of Apparatus

First, a schematic configuration of a monitoring apparatus according tothe present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG.1 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of a configurationof a monitoring apparatus according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. As shown in FIG. 1, a monitoring apparatus 10 according tothe present embodiment includes a monitoring line setting unit 11 and anoverlapping detection unit 12.

The monitoring line setting unit 11 sets a monitoring line in an imageacquired from an image capturing unit (not shown in FIG. 1). Themonitoring line is a line set in an image as a reference for determiningdetection of intrusion (see later-described FIG. 3).

Also, the overlapping detection unit 12 detects overlapping between anobject in the image and the monitoring line. Also, if overlapping isdetected by the overlapping detection unit 11, the monitoring linesetting unit 12 sets a new monitoring line according to the object inthe image.

Thus, in the present embodiment, a new monitoring line is set away fromthe object in the case where the monitoring line and the object overlapin the image due to an object such as a vehicle existing between afacility or the like being monitored and the image capturing unit. Forthis reason, according to the present invention, it is possible todetect an intruder even if a pre-set monitoring line overlaps with anobject.

Here, a configuration of a monitoring system according to the presentembodiment will also be described in addition to the monitoringapparatus 10 with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 2 is a block diagramspecifically showing an example of a configuration of a monitoringsystem and a monitoring apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. FIGS. 3A to 3C are diagrams each illustrating anexample of a series of processes for when a monitoring apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present invention sets a newmonitoring line.

As shown in FIG. 2, the monitoring system 100 according to the presentembodiment includes the monitoring apparatus 10, a monitoring camera 20that functions as the image capturing unit, and a display apparatus 30.The monitoring apparatus 10 is connected to the monitoring camera 20 andthe display apparatus 30. Also, in addition to the monitoring linesetting unit 11 and the overlapping detection unit 12, the monitoringapparatus 10 includes an image acquisition unit 13, a display unit 14, anotification unit 17, and an intrusion detection unit 18.

The image acquisition unit 13 acquires image data of an image (denotedhereinafter as “captured image”) captured by the monitoring camera 20from the monitoring camera 20. Also, the image acquisition unit 13transfers the acquired image data (hereinafter denoted as “capturedimage data”) to the monitoring line setting unit 11. Also, in thepresent embodiment, there is no particular limitation on the number ofmonitoring cameras 20, and multiple monitoring cameras 20 may be used.In this case, the image acquisition unit 13 acquires captured image datafrom each monitoring camera 20.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3A, the monitoring linesetting unit 11 sets the monitoring line 15 to a pre-designated positionon the captured image data and uses it as image data for monitoring(hereinafter denoted as “monitoring image data”). When the monitoringimage data is input to the display apparatus 30, the captured image onwhich the monitoring line is rendered is displayed on the screen. Also,the monitoring line setting unit 11 transfers the monitoring image datato the overlapping detection unit 12, the intrusion detection unit 18,and the display unit 14.

In the present embodiment, upon receiving the monitoring image data fromthe monitoring line setting unit 11, the overlapping detection unit 12specifies a region (hereinafter denoted as a “change region”) thatchanges in the monitoring image data by contrasting the receivedmonitoring image data and image data serving as a reference. Since thechange region corresponds to a newly-existing object, the overlappingdetection unit 12 detects overlapping between the change region and theregion in which the monitoring line is set in the monitoring image data.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, a vehicle 22 is parked infront of a building 21 that is being monitored. In this case, theoverlapping detection unit 12 specifies the region corresponding to theimage data of the vehicle 22 as the change region, and furthermorespecifies the region (hereinafter denoted as the “overlapping region”)in which the change region and the region in which the monitoring line15 is set overlap. Also, the overlapping detection unit 12 detects theoverlapping region as “overlapping” when the percentage of theoverlapping region with respect to the region in which the monitoringline 15 is set is greater than or equal to a threshold (e.g., 50%).

Also, if overlapping is detected by the overlapping detection unit 12,the monitoring line setting unit 11 erases the region of the region inwhich the monitoring line 15 is set that overlaps with the change regionfrom the monitoring image data and sets a new monitoring line.

Accordingly, the monitoring image data is updated. Note that in thiscase, the monitoring line setting unit 11 may set the new monitoringline without erasing the region that overlaps with the change region.

In the present embodiment, if a new monitoring line is to be set, themonitoring line setting unit 11 can set the new monitoring line in apre-designated region in the captured image data and the monitoringimage data according to the outer edge of the object. Specifically, forexample, in the example shown in FIG. 3C, a region 23 corresponding to astreet is designated as the region in which the new monitoring line isset. Accordingly, the monitoring line setting unit 11 sets the newmonitoring line 16 in the region 23 according to the shape of thevehicle 22.

Also, if overlapping is detected by the overlapping detection unit 12,as shown in FIG. 4, the monitoring line setting unit 11 can set the newmonitoring line on only pre-designated sides according to the outer edgeof the object. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of a newmonitoring line set by the monitoring apparatus according to anembodiment of the present invention. In the example shown in FIG. 4, thelower side, right side, and left side of the object are designated asthe setting positions of the new monitoring lines 16. Accordingly, themonitoring line setting unit 11 sets the new monitoring lines 16 on thelower side, right side, and left side of the vehicle 22 in the capturedimage.

Also, upon receiving the monitoring image data in which the monitoringline 15 is set from the monitoring line setting unit 11, the displayunit 14 inputs it to the display apparatus 30. Accordingly, the capturedimage on which the monitoring line 15 is rendered is displayed on thescreen of the display apparatus 30. Furthermore, if overlapping isdetected by the overlapping detection unit 12, the display unit 14receives monitoring image data in which the monitoring line 16 is newlyset from the monitoring line setting unit 11. In this case, in thepresent embodiment, the display unit 14 erases the portion of themonitoring line 15 that overlaps with the object and displays the newmonitoring line 16 on the screen (see FIG. 3C).

Also, the intrusion detection unit 18 executes intrusion detectionprocessing based on the monitor image data generated by the monitor linesetting unit 11. Specifically, after the monitoring line 15 or 16 isset, the intrusion detection unit 18 detects a moving body based on themonitoring image data and determines whether or not the detected movingbody has come into contact with the monitoring line 15 or 16. If it isdetermined that the moving body has come into contact with themonitoring line 15 or 16, it is detected that intrusion has occurred.

If the new monitoring line 16 (see FIGS. 3C and 4) has been set by themonitoring line setting unit 11, and if it is detected by the intrusiondetection unit 18 that intrusion has occurred, the notification unit 17performs notification to that effect to an external device.Specifically, the notification unit 17 executes an alarm to a manager,transmission of e-mail to a terminal apparatus (not shown in FIG. 2) ofthe manager, a phone call to the manager, or the like.

Operations of Apparatus

Next, operations performed by the monitoring apparatus 10 according toan embodiment of the present invention will be described with referenceto FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing an example of operationsperformed by a monitoring apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. FIGS. 1 to 4 will be referred to as needed in thefollowing description. Also, in the present embodiment, the monitoringmethod is carried out by allowing the monitoring apparatus 10 tooperate. Accordingly, the description of the monitoring method of thepresent embodiment will be substituted with the following description ofoperations performed by the monitoring apparatus 10.

First, as shown in FIG. 5, the image acquisition unit 13 acquirescaptured image data from the monitoring camera 20 (step A1). Also, theimage acquisition unit 13 outputs the acquired captured image data tothe monitoring line setting unit 11 and the overlapping detection unit12.

Next, the monitoring line setting unit 11 sets the monitoring line 15 ata pre-designated position in the captured image data (step A2). Then,the monitoring line setting unit 11 transfers the monitoring image datain which the monitoring line 15 has been set to the overlappingdetection unit 12, the intrusion detection unit 18, and the display unit14.

Next, the overlapping detection unit 12 contrasts the monitoring imagedata received from the monitoring line setting unit 11 and the imagedata used as a reference, to specify a change region in the monitoringimage data, and thereby determine whether or not an object overlappingwith the monitoring line 15 exists (step A3). If it is determined instep A3 that no object overlapping with the monitoring line exists, stepA5 is executed.

If it is determined in step A3 that an object overlapping with themonitoring line 15 exists, the overlapping detection unit 12 detects theportion (overlapping region) of the monitoring line 15 that overlapswith the object and transfers it to the monitoring line setting unit 11.Accordingly, the monitoring line setting unit 11 erases the portion ofthe monitoring line 15 that overlaps with the object from the monitoringimage data and further sets a new monitoring line 16 (step A4).Accordingly, the monitoring image data is updated, and therefore themonitoring line setting unit 11 transfers the updated monitoring imagedata to the overlapping detection unit 12 and the intrusion detectionunit 18.

If step A4 is executed and if it is determined in step A3 that no objectexists, the intrusion detection unit 18 executes intrusion detectionprocessing based on the monitoring image data generated by themonitoring line setting unit 11 (step A5).

Due to the execution of step A5, the series of processes ends, but whenthe monitoring camera 20 outputs a new captured image, step A1 isexecuted once again. In the present embodiment, steps A1 to A5 areexecuted each time a captured image is output by the monitoring camera20.

Effect of the Embodiment

As shown in FIG. 3(b), a state is envisioned in which the vehicle 22 isparked between the facility being monitored and the monitoring camera20, and the monitoring line 15 and the vehicle 22 overlap in thecaptured image. In this kind of state, an intruder can intrude in thefacility being monitored by hiding in the shadow of the vehicle withoutcoming into contact with the monitoring line 15. However, according tothe present embodiment, when the monitoring line 15 and the vehicle 22overlap, a new monitoring line 16 is set as shown in FIG. 3C, andtherefore an intruder can be detected even in the above-described case.

Modified Examples

Here, modified examples of the present embodiment will be described withreference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of anew monitoring line set in Modified Example 1 according to an embodimentof the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of anew monitoring line set in Modified Example 2 according to an embodimentof the present invention.

Modified Example 1

As shown in FIG. 6, in the present embodiment, the monitoring linesetting unit 11 can move the original monitoring line 15 such that itdoes not overlap with the object. In this case, the moved monitoringline becomes the new monitoring line 16. Note that the movementdirection is not particularly limited and is set in advance by amanager.

Modified Example 2

As shown in FIG. 7, in the present embodiment, the monitoring linesetting unit 11 sets the new monitoring line 16 at a position that doesnot overlap with the object in a pre-designated region. Specifically, asshown in FIG. 7, a region 23 corresponding to the street and a region 24between the building 21 and a building adjacent thereto are designatedat the setting regions of the new monitoring line. Accordingly, themonitoring line setting unit 11 sets the new monitoring line 16 in theregion 23 and the region 24.

In this way, in the case of using Modified Examples 1 and 2 as well, thenew monitoring line 16 is set such that the intruder cannot intrude byhiding in the shadow of the buildings that overlap with the monitoringline. The present Modified Examples 1 and 2 are also useful.

Program

A program of the present embodiment need only be a program for causing acomputer to execute steps A1 to A5 shown in FIG. 5. The monitoringapparatus 10 and the monitoring method according to the presentembodiment can be realized by installing the program on a computer andexecuting it. In this case, the CPU (Central Processing Unit) of thecomputer functions as the monitoring line setting unit 11, theoverlapping detection unit 12, the image acquisition unit 13, thedisplay unit 14, the notification unit 17, and the intrusion detectionunit 18 and performs processing.

Also, a computer that realizes the monitoring apparatus 10 by executingthe program according to the present embodiment will be described withreference to the drawings. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an exampleof a computer that realizes the monitoring apparatus according to anembodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 8, the computer 110 includes a CPU 111, a main memory112, a storage apparatus 113, an input interface 114, a displaycontroller 115, a data reader/writer 116, and a communication interface117. These units are connected via a bus 121 so as to be capable ofmutual data communication.

The CPU 111 carries out various calculations by expanding programs(codes) according to the present embodiment, which are stored in thestorage apparatus 113, to the main memory 112 and executing them in apredetermined sequence. The main memory 112 is typically a volatilestorage device such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). Also, theprogram according to the present embodiment is provided in a state ofbeing stored in a computer-readable storage medium 120. Note that theprogram according to the present embodiment may be distributed over theInternet, which is connected to via the communication interface 117.

Also, specific examples of the storage apparatus 113 include asemiconductor storage device such as a flash memory, in addition to ahard disk drive. The input interface 114 mediates data transmissionbetween the CPU 111 and an input device 118 such as a keyboard or amouse. The display controller 115 is connected to a display device 119and controls display on the display device 119.

The data reader/writer 116 mediates data transmission between the CPU111 and the storage medium 120, reads out programs from the storagemedium 120, and writes results of processing performed by the computer110 in the storage medium 120. The communication interface 117 mediatesdata transmission between the CPU 111 and another computer.

Also, specific examples of the storage medium 120 include ageneral-purpose semiconductor storage device such as CF (Compact Flash(registered trademark)) and SD (Secure Digital), a magnetic storagemedium such as a flexible disk, and an optical storage medium such as aCD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory).

The above-described embodiment can be partially or entirely expressedby, but is not limited to, the following Supplementary Notes 1 to 24.

Supplementary Note 1

A monitoring apparatus including:

-   -   a monitoring line setting unit configured to set a monitoring        line in an image acquired from an image capturing unit; and    -   an overlapping detection unit configured to detect overlapping        between an object in the image and the monitoring line,    -   wherein if overlapping is detected by the overlapping detection        unit, the monitoring line setting unit sets a new monitoring        line according to the object.        Supplementary Note 2

The monitoring apparatus according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein

-   -   if overlapping is detected by the overlapping detection unit,        the monitoring line setting unit sets the new monitoring line on        a pre-designated side according to an outer edge of the object.        Supplementary Note 3

The monitoring apparatus according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein

-   -   if overlapping is detected by the overlapping detection unit,        the monitoring line setting unit sets the new monitoring line in        a pre-designated region according to an outer edge of the        object.        Supplementary Note 4

The monitoring apparatus according to Supplementary Note 1, furtherincluding

-   -   a display unit that displays an image acquired from a monitoring        camera and the monitoring line on a screen of a display        apparatus,    -   wherein if overlapping is detected by the overlapping detection        unit, the display unit erases the portion of the monitoring line        that overlaps with the object from the screen and displays a new        monitoring line on the screen.        Supplementary Note 5

The monitoring apparatus according to Supplementary Note 1, furtherincluding

-   -   a notification unit configured to, if a new line is set by the        monitoring line setting unit, perform notification to that        effect to an external device.        Supplementary Note 6

A monitoring apparatus including:

-   -   a monitoring line setting unit configured to set a monitoring        line in an image acquired from an image capturing unit; and    -   an overlapping detection unit configured to detect overlapping        between an object in the image and the monitoring line,    -   wherein if overlapping is detected by the overlapping detection        unit, the monitoring line setting unit moves the monitoring line        such that it does not overlap with the object.        Supplementary Note 7

A monitoring apparatus including:

-   -   a monitoring line setting unit configured to set a monitoring        line in an image acquired from an image capturing unit; and    -   an overlapping detection unit configured to detect overlapping        between an object in the image and the monitoring line,    -   wherein if overlapping is detected by the overlapping detection        unit, the monitoring line setting unit sets a new monitoring        line at a position that does not overlap with the object in a        pre-designated region.        Supplementary Note 8

A monitoring system including:

-   -   a monitoring camera and a monitoring apparatus,    -   wherein the monitoring apparatus includes:    -   a monitoring line setting unit configured to set a monitoring        line in an image acquired from the monitoring camera; and    -   an overlapping detection unit configured to detect overlapping        between an object in the image and the monitoring line, and    -   if overlapping is detected by the overlapping detection unit,        the monitoring line setting unit sets a new monitoring line        according to the object.        Supplementary Note 9

A monitoring system including:

-   -   a monitoring camera and a monitoring apparatus,    -   wherein the monitoring apparatus includes:    -   a monitoring line setting unit configured to set a monitoring        line in an image acquired from the monitoring camera; and    -   an overlapping detection unit configured to detect overlapping        between an object in the image and the monitoring line, and    -   if overlapping is detected by the overlapping detection unit,        the monitoring line setting unit moves the monitoring line such        that it does not overlap with the object.        Supplementary Note 10

A monitoring system including:

-   -   a monitoring camera and a monitoring apparatus,    -   wherein the monitoring apparatus includes:    -   a monitoring line setting unit configured to set a monitoring        line in an image acquired from the monitoring camera; and    -   an overlapping detection unit configured to detect overlapping        between an object in the image and the monitoring line, and    -   if overlapping is detected by the overlapping detection unit,        the monitoring line setting unit sets a new monitoring line at a        position that does not overlap with the object in a        pre-designated region.        Supplementary Note 11

A monitoring method including:

-   -   (a) a step of setting a monitoring line in an image acquired        from an image capturing unit;    -   (b) a step of detecting overlapping between an object in the        image and the monitoring line; and    -   (c) a step of setting a new monitoring line according to the        object if overlapping is detected in the (b) step.        Supplementary Note 12

The monitoring method according to Supplementary Note 11, wherein

-   -   if overlapping is detected in the (b) step, in the (c) step, the        new monitoring line is set on a pre-designated side according to        an outer edge of the object.        Supplementary Note 13

The monitoring method according to Supplementary Note 11, wherein

-   -   if overlapping is detected in the (b) step, in the (c) step, the        new monitoring line is set in a pre-designated region according        to an outer edge of the object.        Supplementary Note 14

The monitoring method according to Supplementary Note 11, furtherincluding:

-   -   (d) a step of displaying an image acquired from a monitoring        camera and the monitoring line on a screen of a display        apparatus; and    -   (e) a step of erasing the portion of the monitoring line that        overlaps with the object from the screen and displaying a new        monitoring line on the screen if overlapping is detected in        the (b) step.        Supplementary Note 15

The monitoring method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 11 to14, further including

-   -   a step of, if a new monitoring line is set in the (c) step,        performing notification to that effect to an external device.        Supplementary Note 16

A monitoring method including:

-   -   (a) a step of setting a monitoring line in an image acquired        from an image capturing unit;    -   (b) a step of detecting overlapping between an object in the        image and the monitoring line; and    -   (c) a step of moving the monitoring line such that it does not        overlap with the object if overlapping is detected in the (b)        step.        Supplementary Note 17

A monitoring method including:

-   -   (a) a step of setting a monitoring line in an image acquired        from an image capturing unit;    -   (b) a step of detecting overlapping between an object in the        image and the monitoring line; and    -   (c) a step of setting a new monitoring line at a position such        that it does not overlap with the object in a pre-designated        region if overlapping is detected in the (b) step.        Supplementary Note 18

A computer-readable storage medium storing a program that includescommands for causing a computer to execute:

-   -   (a) a step of setting a monitoring line in an image acquired        from an image capturing unit;    -   (b) a step of detecting overlapping between an object in the        image and the monitoring line; and    -   (c) a step of setting a new monitoring line according to the        object if overlapping is detected in the (b) step.        Supplementary Note 19

The computer-readable storage medium according to Supplementary Note 18,wherein

-   -   if overlapping is detected in the (b) step, in the (c) step, the        new monitoring line is set on a pre-designated side according to        an outer edge of the object.        Supplementary Note 20

The computer-readable storage medium according to Supplementary Note 18,wherein

-   -   if overlapping is detected in the (b) step, in the (c) step, the        new monitoring line is set in a pre-designated region according        to an outer edge of the object.        Supplementary Note 21

The computer-readable storage medium according to Supplementary Note 18,further including a command for causing a computer to execute:

-   -   (d) a step of rendering the monitoring line on the image        acquired from the image capture unit to generate an image for        monitoring and displaying the generated image for monitoring on        a screen of a display apparatus; and    -   (e) a step of, if overlapping is detected in the (b) step,        erasing the portion of the monitoring line that overlaps with        the object from the image for monitoring, rendering a new        monitoring line, and displaying the acquired image for        monitoring on the screen.        Supplementary Note 22

The computer-readable storage medium according to Supplementary Note 18,further including a command for causing a computer to execute

-   -   a step of, if a new monitoring line is set in the (c) step,        performing notification to that effect to an external device.        Supplementary Note 23

A computer-readable storage medium storing a program that includescommands for causing a computer to execute:

-   -   (a) a step of setting a monitoring line in an image acquired        from an image capturing unit;    -   (b) a step of detecting overlapping between an object in the        image and the monitoring line; and    -   (c) a step of moving the monitoring line such that it does not        overlap with the object if overlapping is detected in the (b)        step.        Supplementary Note 24

A computer-readable storage medium storing a program that includescommands for causing a computer to execute:

-   -   (a) a step of setting a monitoring line in an image acquired        from an image capturing unit;    -   (b) a step of detecting overlapping between an object in the        image and the monitoring line; and    -   (c) a step of setting a new monitoring line at a position such        that it does not overlap with the object in a pre-designated        region if overlapping is detected in the (b) step.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to anembodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above-describedembodiments. Various modifications that a person skilled in the art canunderstand may be applied to the configuration and the details of thepresent invention within the scope of the present invention.

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No.2015-059782, filed on Mar. 23, 2015, the disclosure of which isincorporated in its entirety herein by reference.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

According to the present invention, an intruder can be detected even ifa pre-set monitoring line overlaps with an object on an image from amonitoring camera. The present invention is useful in a monitoringsystem.

DESCRIPTIONS OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   -   10 Monitoring apparatus    -   11 Monitoring line setting unit    -   12 Overlapping detection unit    -   13 Image acquisition unit    -   14 Display unit    -   15, 16 Monitoring line    -   17 Notification unit    -   18 Intrusion detection unit    -   20 Monitoring camera    -   21 Building being monitored    -   22 Vehicle    -   23 Region corresponding to street    -   24 Region between buildings    -   30 Display apparatus    -   100 Monitoring system    -   110 Computer    -   111 CPU    -   112 Main memory    -   113 Storage apparatus    -   114 Input interface    -   115 Display controller    -   116 Data reader/writer    -   117 Communication interface    -   118 Input device    -   119 Display apparatus    -   120 Storage medium    -   121 Bus

The invention claimed is:
 1. A monitoring system comprising: at leastone memory storing instructions; and at least one processor coupled tothe at least one memory and configured to execute the instructions to:set a monitoring line for detecting intrusion by a moving object in amoving image acquired by a capturing device; detect that a position atwhich the monitoring line is being set gets to be hidden by an object inthe moving image; and set, when the position is being hidden by theobject, a new monitoring line according to at least any of a position ofthe object and a shape of the object; and divide the new monitoring lineinto a region A and a region B in a case that the region A,corresponding to a street, and the region B, between buildings adjacentthereto, are designated at setting regions of the new monitoring line.2. The monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the at least oneprocessor is configured to set, when the position is being hidden by theobject, the new monitoring line on a pre-designated side, according toan outer edge of the object.
 3. The monitoring system according to claim1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to set, when theposition is being hidden by the object, the new monitoring line in apre-designated region, according to an outer edge of the object.
 4. Themonitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the at least oneprocessor is configured to set, when the position is being hidden by theobject, the new monitoring line by moving the monitoring line such thatthe monitoring line is not overlapped by the object.
 5. The monitoringsystem according to claim 1, wherein the at least one processor isfurther configured to perform notification to an external device whenthe new monitoring line has been set.
 6. A monitoring method comprising:setting a monitoring line for detecting intrusion by a moving object ina moving image acquired by a capturing device; detecting that a positionat which the monitoring line is being set gets to be hidden by an objectin the moving image; automatically setting, when the position is beinghidden by the object, a new monitoring line according to at least any ofa position of the object and a shape of the object; and dividing the newmonitoring line into a region A and a region B in a case that the regionA, corresponding to a street, and the region B, between buildingsadjacent thereto, are designated at setting regions of the newmonitoring line.
 7. The monitoring method according to claim 6, whereinthe setting comprises setting the new monitoring line on apre-designated side, according to an outer edge of the object.
 8. Themonitoring method according to claim 6, wherein the setting comprisessetting the new monitoring line in a pre-designated region, according toan outer edge of the object.
 9. The monitoring method according to claim6, wherein the setting comprises setting the new monitoring line bymoving the monitoring line such that the monitoring line is notoverlapped by the object.
 10. The monitoring method according to claim6, further comprising: performing notification to an external devicewhen the new monitoring line has been set.
 11. A non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium storing a program that causes acomputer to perform: setting a monitoring line for detecting intrusionby an moving object in a moving image acquired by a capturing device;detecting that a position at which the monitoring line is being set getsto be hidden by an object in the moving image; automatically setting,when the position is being hidden by the object, a new monitoring lineaccording to at least any of a position of the object and a shape of theobject; and dividing the new monitoring line into a region A and aregion B in a case that the region A, corresponding to a street, and theregion B, between buildings adjacent thereto, are designated at settingregions of the new monitoring line.
 12. The storage medium according toclaim 11, wherein the setting comprises setting the new monitoring lineon a pre-designated side, according to an outer edge of the object. 13.The storage medium according to claim 11, wherein the setting comprisessetting the new monitoring line in a pre-designated region, according toan outer edge of the object.
 14. The storage medium according to claim11, wherein the setting comprises setting the new monitoring line bymoving the monitoring line such that the monitoring line is notoverlapped by the object.
 15. The storage medium according to claim 11,wherein the program further causes the computer to perform notificationto an external device when the new monitoring line has been set.